1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores be misleading? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star may be their primary talisman, but he is performing as a timely gift. Unai Emery is crafty, battle-hardened, five years ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, move infield and torment him. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that Everton sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said his squad requested to enjoy a break after their recent victory but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then brief training for the upcoming match. He explained how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he clipped in from good service was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a former England striker was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
